How to Customize the Windows 7 Shut Down Button

by Gilberto J Perera View Comments Share

One of the things that annoyed me the most when I first used Windows Vista was the exclusion of the Shut Down button as the default action in the Start menu. Luckily Microsoft listened and they added an option for users to customize the default action available when the Start Menu is opened. The guide below will walk you through the simple process of finding this option so that you may customize it to your liking. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them below.

Note: I used Windows 7 RC1 for this tutorial

1. Right-click on the task bar and select Properties from the menu.

Windows 7 Shut down button

2. Click on the Start Menu tab and click on the Power button action: drop-down, select the default button action you wish to set. Click OK when you are done.

Windows 7 Shut down button

3. Your default option should now be visible whenever you open the Start menu.

Note: I chose Log off as my default option

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About the author

Gilbert is a Microsoft MVP, a full-time blogger, and technology aficionado. When Gilbert is away from his bike and his iPad, he's busy writing technology how-to's from his home-office in Miami, Florida on the latest programs and gadgets he can get his hands on. He's locally known as "the computer guy" and has spent the last 12 years helping family, friends, and GilsMethod.com visitors with their computer questions and problems. He was awarded the 2009 MVP award from Microsoft for his contributions in forums and blogs and is enjoying the new addition to his family.

View Comments to “How to Customize the Windows 7 Shut Down Button”

Farfacies says:
August 18, 2010 at 11:14 pm

Here is a tool to help you auto shutdown, restart Windows 7.

Windows 7 Shutdown Assistant

Help You schedule shut down windows 7, Write Notes and Run file, Program
Seth Mootchnik says:
November 10, 2009 at 10:09 pm

I am sure its doable – just have not seen how.
The only other option is a widget/gadget – which I don’t want /use.

so, please keep this in the back of your mind.

Thx
Seth Mootchnik says:
November 2, 2009 at 5:40 pm

I use Shut down – but how about a way to remove Switch User, Log off, & Lock.
I only need Sleep & Restart (and of course Shutdown itself).
- Gilberto J Perera says:
  November 10, 2009 at 9:14 pm
  
  @Seth Mootchnik – I’m sure that is doable…sounds like a hack to me…maybe someone else knows how to do it. If I find something I’ll make sure to post it here. If you happen to find something let me know. Thanks for the suggestion.
7 New and Improved Windows 7 Features That ShouldnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t Go Unnoticed « DarwiN says:
September 11, 2009 at 4:23 pm

[...] for the shut down button, Windows 7 now includes an option that allows you to customize it. Follow this guide for instructions on how to change the option.3. WordPadÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Face lift – In this version of [...]